Release #07.041
August 15, 2007

ALPA Commends FAA “Call to Action” to Prevent Runway Incursions
Outcome Includes Many of ALPA’s Longstanding Safety Priorities

WASHINGTON—Capt. Terry McVenes, ALPA’s executive air safety chairman, issued the following statement at the conclusion of today’s FAA-sponsored aviation industry symposium on runway incursion prevention.

“Airline pilots face extremely complex airport environments on a daily basis. ALPA has consistently expressed its concern over the risk of runway incursions and has sought specific remedies. Today, we are pleased at so much industry agreement on the safety solutions to prevent runway incursions. Thanks to the FAA’s leadership, key decision-makers from the aviation community came together to roll up our sleeves and commit to solutions to make runways safer.

“We were gratified to see this important group focus on many of the safety enhancements which ALPA has advocated for decades. ALPA has long pressed for the rapid deployment of enhanced runway markings; better use of runway incursion prevention training materials such as ALPA’s ‘Runway Safety’ continuing education program; and careful review of air traffic control clearance and taxiway procedures. In addition, today’s call to action also included a thorough safety review of the nation’s top airports and increased information sharing among them.

“Of special note is both the FAA’s commitment to accelerate improvements to the NOTAM system and the agency’s advocacy for a non-punitive safety reporting program for air traffic control community. ALPA believes that these non-punitive safety programs are the foundation of a safety culture that seeks to identify risk before accidents occur. We applaud the outcome of today’s gathering and look forward to continuing to work with the aviation community in a relentless pursuit of safety on the nation’s runways.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union representing more than 60,000 pilots at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.

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ALPA Contact: Pete Janhunen, Linda Shotwell, Molly Martin, 703-481-4440